Political discourse in America has taken a turn for the more explicit, with public figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, increasingly using profanity in public communication. This trend has raised concerns about the impact on national conversations and the standards voters expect from their leaders.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has long enforced rules against broadcasting obscene, indecent, or profane content, with well-known comedians like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin once making these standards part of their public comedy. For decades, broadcasters have been trained to avoid such language. However, in recent years, a growing number of public figures have begun to use profanity without the same level of restraint.
Newsom recently used the term ‘MOAP,’ a profane expression, during a podcast, signaling his willingness to use such language without the same constraints as traditional broadcasters. This has sparked discussions about the role of profanity in public discourse and whether it has a lasting impact on political engagement and societal norms.
While many still avoid using offensive language with young children, the shift among public figures has led to questions about the long-term implications of this trend on American political culture. Scholars and commentators like Hugh Hewitt highlight the need to examine voter reactions and the potential influence of profanity on political behavior.
The article explores the broader implications of this shift, suggesting that while some may view the use of profanity as a sign of authenticity, others argue it reflects a decline in public and political decorum. Whether this trend continues to shape American political discourse remains a topic of ongoing debate.